Good places to park are RiverPlace Marina (end of S.W. Montgomery St. off S.W. Front Ave.) or the Portland Boathouse (S.E. Clay St. at Water Ave.).
You could walk or bike the 3-mile Willamette River loop between Portland's Hawthorne and Steel Bridges in less than an hour, but it's worth a full day, with stops to eat and shop, on-the-water excursions, and a detour to a children's science museum.
If it's sunny, you'll have plenty of company ― especially this month, with Portland Rose Festival carnival rides filling the west bank's Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park (Jun 1-11; 503/227-2681) and dragon boat racing (Jun 10-11) in the river off RiverPlace Marina.
OMSI
What: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, nice and cool on a hot day, with plenty of brain-stretching entertainment for the younger set. When: Tue-Sun through Jun 18, daily from Jun 19. How much: $9, $7 ages 3-13, ages 2 and under free. Where: 1945 S.E. Water Ave.; 503/797-4000.
Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe
What: The store offers a guided sea kayak tour from the boat launch near its shop at the Portland Boathouse (under renovation; look for the mobile unit in the parking lot) upstream to Ross Island. How much: $40. Where: 49 S.E. Clay St.; 503/285-1819.
Portland River Company
What: Guided paddle trips to Ross Island from RiverPlace Marina. How much: From $43. Where: 0315 S.W. Montgomery St.; , 888/238-2059,503/229-0551.
Willamette Jetboat Excursions
What: Explore Portland by water on scenic one- and two-hour river outings aboard open-air jetboats. How much: From $20. Where: Dock at OMSI; 888/538-2628, or 503/231-1532.
Three Degrees Restaurant at RiverPlace Hotel
What: Hard to beat for elegant outdoor dining with a view. When: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. How much: $$$. Where: 1510 S.W. Harbor Way; 503/295-6166.
Bakery Bar
What: New cafe specializing in exquisite desserts and light meals. Worth a short detour off the Eastbank Esplanade. When: Breakfast and lunch Mon-Sat. How much: $. Where: 1028 S.E. Water Ave. (at Taylor St., four blocks north of Portland Boathouse); 503/546-8110.
